Shillong, Oct 30: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has accused the district administration and police of intimidating residents of Laban Pyllun opposing the Shillong Ropeway Project.
In a letter to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, KSU Laban Circle President Jason C Laloo said police and a Special Operation Team (SOT) were deployed on October 28 against members of the JAC Against Ropeway Project, predominantly women, while they were waiting for a decision from the Rangbah Shnong.
“This act is nothing but a show of power by the district administration and the police to intimidate and to coerce the members of the JAC to retreat and withdraw from their agitation,” the letter stated.
The KSU alleged similar tactics were used during the recent Shree Cement public hearing in East Jaintia Hills, where opponents were allegedly blocked, threatened and assaulted.
“The Union has a strong apprehension that in the near future, the elderly women who are our mother figures… would be threatened and the police may falsely implicate them,” the KSU said, adding it “would not allow and tolerate any such coercive and intimidating tactics.”
On the Shillong Ropeway Project, it said while it is not against development, projects must have people’s approval and not disturb the ecological balance.
The KSU questioned government reports claiming no impact on water sources, stating that JAC and environmental experts say otherwise.
The union stressed that the administration cannot shy away from its responsibilities and throw the burden of the public hearing on the local dorbar shnongs and the headmen to explain the environmental impact of the project.
“That, has to come from experts in the field of environment or competent level and all the necessary procedures for public hearing should be complied by the district authorities which was not complied with at any point of time for the present project,” it said.
The KSU also flagged unconfirmed reports of a proposed road from Sericulture Farm to Sawmer for the ropeway, which could lead to tree felling and damage to the catchment area, a major water source.
“The union agrees that tourism and employment must be generated but not at the cost of our environment,” it added, urging swift action from the CM.
